Isuzu’s big MU-7 SUV is a natural competitor to the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in markets like Thailand, and the carmaker is looking to replicate this in India as well. Isuzu dealerships in Delhi and Hyderabad are currently in the process of being set-up. However, Isuzu is now taking bookings for this burly SUV and its versatile pick-up sibling. The MU-7 is priced at Rs 24.16 lakh (ex-showroom, Hyderabad), while the D-Max is priced at Rs 6.87 lakh for the single cab version and Rs 8.09 lakh for the double cab version.
The MU-7 is a huge SUV, as you can tell from its appearance, there’s nothing subtle or half-hearted about its styling. The nose has a prominent ‘V’ shape to it, and the blocky headlights and grille give it the appearance of a battering ram. The Isuzu badge sits inside a simple chrome grille and there’s a large, and no doubt functional, intake on the bonnet as well. The styling of the MU-7 has recently been upgraded, with the biggest change having taken place in the fog-light region, where the bumper now protrudes outward and the fog lights are sunken in. Isuzu, in an effort to add some flash, has also added an underlining of chrome. Prominent wheel arches, a foot plate and roof rails add to its otherwise non-descript styling.
The MU-7 is just 5mm short of the five-metre mark, making it much longer than the 4705mm Toyota Fortuner, and the three-metre-long wheelbase is substantially larger as well (the Fortuner’s is only 2750mm). Whether this will make the MU-7 unwieldy to drive remains to be seen.
Under the hood is a variable-geometry turbo-equipped 3.0-litre common-rail diesel motor that puts out a very healthy 160bhp. Its maximum torque of 34kgm comes in at only 1600rpm. The MU-7 comes with both a five-speed manual as well as a four-speed auto.
The MU-7 comes with leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, entertainment screens for rear passengers and faux wood panelling. The design of the dash, however, remains a traditional and upright T-shaped affair, with a tree trunk-like centre console supporting the dash. The MU-7 is likely to offer the best-in-class legroom for second- and third-row passengers, thanks mostly to its massive wheelbase.
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